Grant will help Gail Borden close digital divide

Elgin’s Gail Borden Public Library will offer free computer training classes as part of a series of initiatives funded with $26,000 from an Illinois Eliminate the Digital Divide Program grant.

Miriam Lytle was the grant coordinator at Gail Borden for this particular grant, which will be used to buy six new laptops for the computer training room, install new resume software in the computer center and offer a host of classes from September through May.

The classes were previously offered with a $5 fee only to those holding valid library cards. Now the classes will be free for anyone in the library district, regardless of their card status.

“We’re trying to remove any obstacles,” Lytle said.

There will be three learning levels for the classes called Laying the Foundations, Bricks and Mortar and Adding On. Within each level, the courses will be split up into three parts: Nuts and Bolts, Hammer it Home and Power Drill, which will help lay the foundation for learning and then acquiring long-term skills.

The classes in each level will be repeated three times throughout the course of the grant cycle. That way residents can start with the basics and have the chance to take the more advanced classes later in the year.

Lytle said this grant is particularly exciting to receive because of its goal.

“It truly is eliminating the digital divide,” Lytle said. “I look forward to this grant to help to pull up people who haven’t had an opportunity previously and welcome them into the digital world.”

Gail Borden is one of 41 libraries throughout the state getting part of the nearly $1 million to increase computer literacy for Illinois residents. The money came from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.